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Rich Hall: 3:10 To Humour

Rich Hall is back with a new tour, obscurely titled after a 2007 Russell Crowe remake of a half-century old Western.

Whether it needs such a monicker is a moot point, as Hall does not go in for heavily authored shows. Comedy’s favourite curmudgeon is always gigging and his material evolves on the road, so you’d be hard-pressed to know where one tour ends and another starts.

Certainly there are elements of this performance that have been in his repertoire for a while, such as the improvised song asking what ‘Big Bad Richard’, selected from the from row, would do to save a poor boy stuck down a well. And towards the end we get a rendition of Bob Dylan Is Getting Back Together, which is a couple of years old, but remains a fine example of how to tszuj up a comedy song, thanks to his unique harmonica technique.

Yet other routines are peculiar to this specific gig, whether emerging from audience banter or giving him the chance to show off local references, such as Melbourne’s not-exactly-classy Exford pub.

A great new set piece revolves around the next US Presidential election, which he depressing envisages as a sequel to the last Clinton vs Bush showdown. His analogy for the seemingly endless supply of Bushes making their unwelcome entrance on to he political stage is especially strong, playfully testing the audience’s tolerance for his ever-escalating idea, and becoming hilariously ‘meta’ as he strides into the audience to heckle his own piss-poor characterisations. It is an absurd reaction to absurd politics, and wonderfully done.

What supercharges all his material is that distinctively growly, grumpy delivery, barking out his observations with a disillusioned incomprehension that no one else has seen through this bullshit. His attitude is like the landscape of his native Montana: unchanging, craggy, impressive.

It gives comments about dumb Americans, the Tesco horsemeat scandal of 2013 and the gun-toting NRA a pointed edge, even if they are based on thoughts any sane person might have had themselves. Plus the fact that he’s one of their own provides added bite to the Yank-bashing – and who doesn’t enjoy that?

Comments

Older Comments

Douglas Thomson - 23/03/2012

Rich Hall at Eden Court Theatre Inverness, to what looked like a sell-out gig on a Thursday evening in March,is quite an achievement! He delivered a solid performance and bonded with his audience from the start in his verbose grouchy manner we have come to know him for. Especially when he touches on the subject of World politics and America in particular. Being in a unique position to experience and witness life on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean and observe the cultural differences and absurd views we have of each other and weave it it into his comedy material. The second half of his two hour set was his brand of comedy done in musical form, not the Otis T. Crenshaw persona unfortunately ! Maybe next time he's in Inverness? Audience loved this amiable American and he looked as if he enjoyed himself too!

Mel - 10/11/2010

A heroic show at Swindon battling a cold. I've been to a show every year for the last four and always leave with a huge grin on my face. Long may he continue!

Sally - 27/10/2010

Saw Rich Hall last night at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol - he was so funny that I'm sure there are people with aching faces today! I've never laughed out loud so much - if you get a chance to see him, you really should go!

James Quince - 08/03/2010

Absolutely fantastic. Every time I see his work; perfect jokes, perfect delivery, just so funny!

Con - 27/09/2009

Saw DVD recording. I think it did work at the Apollo. Brilliant night.

Justin - 13/09/2009

I really like this guy. I felt sorry for him though at the Greenwich Comedy festival. Poor compere, in a big linen tent and a silent disco outside that kept on yelling over his gags. He got off the stage as quickly as possible, wish I'd held on and waited until he appeared at a good venue like the Apollo. Comedy Genius

Andy Barr - 12/08/2009

The best Edinburgh show for a while - not that the others were bad just that this one didn't have the customary dip in the middle. Bit pricey, though

Mike - 28/03/2009

Just saw him tonight at Sydney opera house in the Studio. Made the best of a 1/3rd full room, coping with a guy who was violently sick in one side of the room to make things a bit more eventful. I only heard that he was playing 5 days before so he needed more publicity, but he was pure genius for an hour and a half, both as Rich and Otis. Very quick, and great sarcastic wit. Well worth it.

Ray Girling - 22/09/2008

Saw Rich at the Trinity in Tunbridge Wells last Friday (19.09.08). A really good, varied, clever, funny and topical set. The second half (Otis) was as good in a different way. Highly recommended!

Samragi - 24/05/2008

I watched Rich in Derby a few weeks ago. I thought he was funny, dark, emotive - and engaging. I would love to see him again. Not sure I like the Otis bit. I prefer just Rich. I love the grating voice, the grumpiness, and the amazing talent Rich has for sarcasm, and sometimes real kindness and an ability to relate to everyone. Impressive.

Jimbo - 25/02/2007

This guy is amazingly funny, and easily had me laughing more throughout his routine than I normally would in a week!

Charlie - 04/06/2006

Comedy genius - consistly funny and inventive

Mike L - 30/05/2006

Probably the best comic on the circuit at the minute. He played Headliners in Chiswick and went 20 minutes over his 20minuteset.. People were so desparate to keep him on stage one of the punters bought him a fresh beer and brought it to him. Pure class

Daniel Gray - 18/05/2006

Rich Hall and Otis Lee Crenshaw - amazing. Every George Throrogood song mixed together into an ugly package

Mond - 15/02/2006

No one has the right to be this funny. I've seen him several times now and I'm constantly amazed at the way his brain works and as if he isn't funny enough, he's Moe Sizlack made flesh. The wittiest American since Woody Allen, thank god he's damn ugly.

Miket to The G - 07/02/2006

Fabulous. Fishing Show and Cattle Drive need a DVD release urgently. Why they stick them on BBC 4 during the wee small hours is beyond me.

Spanny - 29/01/2006

His material isn`t all that good but his act is saved by his deadpan delivery

Roshni - 19/01/2006

I think those Sniglets that Rich Hall compiled/invented are just amazing! Thanks so much for giving me an hour of pure fun and enjoyment.

Fred Mac - 30/11/2005

Brilliant mix of wit and music is unbeatable. Spontaneous kebab man song about a guy called Peter I heard in Tunbridge Wells made my year.

Dave Horby - 28/11/2005

A true comic genius, Rich Hall is one of the best standup acts of his generation. Don't miss any opportunity to catch him live.

Jay - 23/11/2005

So many people in stitches..I worry about the cost to the medical industry. But yes, I'd pay to see him.

Phil - 21/11/2005

Saw Rich Hall this weekend in God's waiting room - Bournemouth. Very funny set, if you see one comedian this year make it this man.

- 03/11/2005

Saw the first night of his current tour and he delivered a professional, excellent set. One of those intelligent comics that I could listen to all night. Superb stuff.

Crossley - 25/10/2005

By far one of the most under-rated comedians I've ever seen, I watched an episode of Room 101 with him in it and i was in stitches during the whole episode, loved the song he performed at the end as well, the lyrics were just pure genius.

Leanne - 11/10/2005

Saw Rich Hall on TV for the first time last night. Ive never laughed so much. How has he not conquered the earth yet?

Jose - 25/08/2005

Most underrated comedian ever.

- 14/07/2005

One of the funniest people I've ever seen in my life. Rich Hall is truly a comedy legend and has had me in stitches laughing many times. His appearances and comic contibutions on Never Mind The Buzzcocks, were also hiarious.

Charles Thomson - 05/07/2005

Brilliant. He performed for twenty minutes as a warm up act at the recording of Jack Dee's new series and brought the house down. The audience loved him.

- 23/04/2005

Fantastic. We saw him at the Brisbane Powerhouse two years ago. He sang this hilarious song about all the suburbs in Brisbane, true genius. I laughed so much that it felt like I had face full of Botox it was that numb.

Bill - 23/02/2005

The funniest man in the media these days. His series on the BBC (especially the episodes on "Love" and "Freedom" are classics and the most irreverent stuff to come out of the US for decades.

Bobby Mills - 31/03/2004

We must see more of Rich on TV, he's the funniest man alive!

Isla - 16/02/2004

Brilliant.

Daniel - 01/12/2003

Reminds me of Moe the bartender from the Simpsons, which is no bad thing.

Penelope Wood - 28/11/2003

Rich Hall's Fishing Show on BBC4 is absolutely hilarious. I have always found him drolly amusing, but this series is an absolute must.

Matt - 19/10/2003

This guy is the goods, he is funny in ways that they don't have proper names for.

Penguin - 05/09/2003

I have watched Rich Hall on TV too many times to count and have had my sides split every time. Very painful. Huge medical bill. Either way, he is one of the funniest comedians on stage today and those who disagree have no taste or sence of humour.

Tanya - 05/08/2003

The funniest man alive. No one else can leave me in such stitches.

Ron Joe Swampgas - 30/11/-0001

Worthless shite. He wasn't funny back in the '80s and from what I can see, continues the sorry trend. He is long forgotten in the States, and bloody good riddance! Sniglets, my arse! He is a born-again "angry comic," not unlike that other sorry loser that has a cult following, Bill Hicks. Bile and self-hate will eat you alive too, Rich. Should I be the least bit surprised that a guy who calls himself Swampgas blows so much smoke up the ass of the world? Save the methane my friend...you are depleting the ozone layer. Rich Hall 23.04.05